Dive deeper into Europe for a truly enriching experience as you discover Bulgaria with a private guide, a gem of the Balkans, boasting exceptional landscapes and traditions.

As with the rest of the Balkans, Bulgaria is known for its stunning landscapes, deep traditions, medieval towns, and unique architecture. On this journey you'll discover Bulgaria, one of the oldest inhabited places in Europe, boasting one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters on earth. With the capital Sofia as your home base, there's plenty of experiences within reach at all times. Set out with a private guide to uncover the sites and history of Sofia - learning about its imperial occupations from ancient Greeks and Romans to the Soviets of the modern era. Branch out to Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in the world, where you'll visit its medieval core, and remarkably well preserved Roman amphitheater. A private guided day tour will bring you to one of the most recognizable visuals in all of Bulgaria; The Rila Monastery. Rightfully placed among the top of the country's nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Monastery is an exceptional piece of architecture - and a highlight of the Balkans as a whole.
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Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
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Day 1:Sofia

Enjoy a private transfer to the airport.

Accommodation: Crystal Palace Boutique (4*)

Crystal Palace four star-rated Boutique Hotel was opened in 2004. It is a part of the Bulgarian hotel chain FPI Hotels & Resorts. Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel is located in the downtown of Sofia next to St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, St. St. Kiril and Methodius National Library and Alexander Nevski Cathedral. The hotel is situated near important government and financial institutions and the commercial area of the city. The distance between the hotel and Sofia International Airport is 8 km. Crystal Palace four star-rated Boutique Hotel offers 53 luxury rooms and 10 stylish apartments with high-speed Internet connection and all modern and leisure facilities. Most of the rooms have a view to the Doctor's Garden and the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

Sofia

Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel

Day 2:Sofia

Enjoy a walking tour with a private guide along the main tourist attractions in Sofia. View the Roman walls of ancient Serdika, St. George Rotunda, one of the oldest fully preserved churches in Europe dating from 4th century AD. Also see the most important religious buildings such as the Mosque, the Synagogue, St. Joseph Catholic church, and the Orthodox churches of St. Nedelya, St. Petka, St. Sophia, and St Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Admire the former Royal Palace, the National Theatre, the Mineral Baths, the Parliament, the statue of Tsar Liberator, and the Sofia University. End your private tour with a visit to the Crypt of St Alexander Nevski Cathedral with the best collection of icons in Bulgaria or the National Museum of Archaeology.

Accommodation: Crystal Palace Boutique (4*)

St. George Rotunda

Day 3:Sofia

Enjoy a full day tour to Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest towns in Europe. It was inhabited by the Thracians, Romans, Goths, Slavs, and Ottomans whose traces have turned the town into a museum. The Ancient Plovdiv Architectural Reserve is of special interest. Brilliant examples of the Bulgarian National Revival Period are preserved here. One can sit among the ruins of the ancient Roman Theater and feel the atmosphere of the extinct world. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Accommodation: Crystal Palace Boutique (4*)

Plovdiv

Day 4:Sofia

Enjoy a full day tour to Rila Monastery, the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the most remarkable monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. The monastery was founded in the l0th century by the Bulgarian monk St. John of Rila and was rebuilt in the l3th -l4th century. Since 1983 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance fees and lunch are included.

Accommodation: Crystal Palace Boutique (4*)

Rila Monastery

Day 5:Sofia

Enjoy a private transfer to the airport.

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

We can customize this private tour just for you. Any element can be tailored – activities, length, hotels and destinations. Call us at 1 888 903-2001 or request a quote.

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Crystal Palace Boutique (4*): Sofia

Crystal Palace four star-rated Boutique Hotel was opened in 2004. It is a part of the Bulgarian hotel chain FPI Hotels & Resorts. Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel is located in the downtown of Sofia next to St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, St. St. Kiril and Methodius National Library and Alexander Nevski Cathedral. The hotel is situated near important government and financial institutions and the commercial area of the city. The distance between the hotel and Sofia International Airport is 8 km. Crystal Palace four star-rated Boutique Hotel offers 53 luxury rooms and 10 stylish apartments with high-speed Internet connection and all modern and leisure facilities. Most of the rooms have a view to the Doctor's Garden and the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.

Everything was perfect. The scheduling of drivers, trains and guides was perfect. Hotel accommodations (rooms) were the best at each hotel. Superb. Kensington Tours out did themselves.

Curtis M — October 25, 2017 — Europe

Our trip experience was excellent. We are very likely to use Kensington again to plan our next trip to destinations that are new to us.

Betty Berke — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Our trip was well organized and paced. Guides and drivers were all knowledgeable and friendly. Trip agent was also quite helpful.

Cynthia B — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Amazing attention to detail and personalizing the experience for each of us. The tours provided Historical information specific to each of our interests.

Alyssa B — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Thank you so much for helping make our honeymoon amazing! You guys made the process of planning and travel stress-free. We will never forget all the amazing experiences we had.

Lowell A — November 09, 2017 — Europe

We totally appreciate the quality of the guides, knowledge, expertise, history of family and relationship, attention to detail. I especially appreciate the personal touch.

Kimberly M — September 15, 2017 — Europe

Fiona was fabulous and planned a dream vacation for us from start to finish. Our guides and tours were all very personable, knowledgeable, and comfortable. Our drivers were very punctual and professional. Our itinerary and tickets kept us knowing exactly where and when we needed to be somewhere. The weather, food and hotels were amazing. We truly had our dream vacation and now need a beach vacation to recuperate from the fast paced vacation we just returned from! Would recommend your agency to anyone! Thank You!

James M — November 09, 2017 — Europe

The information exchange in planning the tour went very well. The tour information and itinerary provided for the trip was the best and most complete for any tour we have taken. All drivers and tour guides were available at the exact minute scheduled. The guide in Athens, particularly, was excellent and answered all of our many questions as well as being very in tune to our needs. We had several questions for local staff and they responded immediately. In addition, we recommend the Hotel Kouros in Mykonos to anyone. A beautiful well maintained hotel with an excellent staff on all levels.

Elizabeth N — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. I appreciated the flexibility in catering to elderly travelers. We got so much more out of the trip with a private driver and guide. Worth the money. A memorable success!

Ronald C — November 07, 2017 — Europe

Emma Winter, did an amazing job of trying to match the activities we were looking for. The whole process of arranging and completing our travel plans was seamless and hassle free. I'm definitely looking forward to working with Emma and Kensington Tours for our next excursion.

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“I have traveled to Asia with Kensington Tours, and now Europe. My experience with you all has been just wonderful. The tour guides were awesome in every location, all the drivers, the pickups, the hotels exceeded my expectations. So thank you, thank you, thank you.”– Lesley E.